Mackie Big Knob Desktop Studio Monitor System

by Mackie

Product Features

• Perfect for computer-based studios
• High-end esoteric studio sound quality
• Phono preamp for turntable connection
• Switch between 3 sets of studio monitors
• Tabletop level control / monitor switcher

Product Details

• Item Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B0006GPYDQ
• Item model number: Big Knob
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #17,641 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #66 in Musical Instruments > Recording Equipment > Studio Monitors

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

You asked for it. Your band asked for it. Your clients asked for it. Your mom practically asked for it. Since the dawn of computer-based music making, folks have longed for a simple monitor switching and level control box with built-in Talkback functions. You know, something that sits right on your desktop, letting you easily switch between sets of studio monitors and different stereo sources. And send musicians custom headphone mixes while you communicate with them via a built-in Talkback microphone. Your wish is our command...

Introducing The Big Knob
The Big Knob is a simple yet powerful desktop audio control center that lets musicians and engineers get right to the business of making music in four major ways: Level Control, Studio Monitor Selection, Input Source Selection and Talkback & Headphone Control.

Precise Level Control
Using a big, convenient volume knob, Big Knob lets you adjust volume levels the way our ancient audio ancestors (Analogus Engineerus) did - with a simple, intuitive knob, not with a mouse and screen. The end result is a higher degree of precision and much quicker level adjustments.

Monitor Selection
When it comes to mixing, pros know it’s best to get a second, and third, opinion. So Big Knob lets you quickly switch between 3 pairs of studio monitors, or 2 studio monitors and a subwoofer, or studio monitors and a home stereo, or any other combination of powered speakers.

Source Selection
On the input side, Big Knob lets you connect up to 4 stereo input sources at once. This means you can simultaneously connect to your computer/DAW outputs, CD player, cassette deck and even a turntable using the premium onboard RIAA preamp. You can even connect keyboards, guitars, drum machines, samplers - anything you’d like to hear - through your monitors. This makes Big Knob great for comparing your mixes-in-progress to your favorite CDs, for archiving your old LPs, jamming along to your favorite tune, and lots more.

Talkback Section & Headphone Control
With its built-in Talkback mic and spring-loaded activation switches, Big Knob lets you quickly communicate with musicians in both the studio and tracking room - no more hand signals through the glass! Big Knob also sports two high-powered headphone outputs with a discrete headphone mix bus, solving the communications needs of most computer-based studios.

All the Right Connections
Although its shiny silver knob is a head-turning feature, Big Knob's rear panel is equally impressive. There you’ll find three distinct Monitor outputs with individual level control; 2-Track A and 2-Track B stereo outputs with level selection switches; a DAW stereo output for your computer; a Studio output with level control; a Phones Mix input with level selection switch; 2-Track A and 2-Track B Stereo Source inputs with level control; a DAW Mix input from your computer with level control; and even a Phono input with level control for direct connection to your turntable.

Sound Quality
Because Big Knob plays a crucial link between recording output(s) and studio monitors, we placed the utmost importance on pristine, no-compromise sound quality. For this reason, Big Knob features ultra low-noise op amps, extremely low-tolerance components and state-of-the-art surface mount technology. All of this ensures superb sound in critical listening environments and long-term reliability - even under daily, and nightly, studio use.

Features

• Tabletop level control / monitor switcher / source selector & talkback box
• Big, convenient volume knob for precise level adjustments
• Switch amongst 3 sets of studio monitors
• Built-in Talkback microphone for easy communication with musicians
• Monitor 4 independent Stereo inputs including one for your
• Dual Headphone outputs with independent volume controls and headphone mix bus
• Phono preamp for direct turntable connection
• High-end studio sound quality and robust construction
• Perfect for computer-based studios
• Humorous product name ensures years of off-color studio humor

Product Description

Mackie?s Big Knob lets you easily switch between studio monitors, stereo sources, and even send musicians their own custom headphone mixes, all from your desktop.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Big Knob...more than a BIG deal!, March 27, 2010

By 

Peter Birchenough (Hawaii) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mackie Big Knob Desktop Studio Monitor System (Electronics)

I have a home studio and have used the Big Knob for about 2 years now. This is exactly what I was missing in my chain. Very well made, this thing is constructed like a tank and built to last. I can easily switch between my monitors and headphones with the push of one button and you always know where the volume knobs is. The Big Knob can also make things easier if you are using multiple inputs. My computer is hooked up to one input, my guitar to another and electric keyboard to another....and all with a push of a button or two I can easily select which combination I want to hear. Each input has a gain level knob associated with it. Two headphone jacks are included with individual volumes for each. I have not seen anything on the market that quite compares. Presonus has a similar unit, but it does not appear to be made nearly as well or useful despite it's glowing buttons. You can't go wrong with this at all. I bought mine off an auction site, so shop around for a good deal.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Performer For The Money, November 21, 2010

By 

J. Shepard - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mackie Big Knob Desktop Studio Monitor System (Electronics)

I own 2 of these. One for my home studio and one in one of my small edit suites in my recording studio. Really nothing touches it at it's price point. Really excellent flexibility of inputs and outputs. All of the inputs are trimable and having multiple volume controls for monitors, headphones and the studio outs makes for a very versatile piece. It also has a talkback circuit so it can be used to talk to your performers in your tracking room/vocal booth while you're in the control room.

One thing to be aware of is that this unit is analog only. No digital ins. No digital outs. Also understand, it sounds pretty darn good but not outstanding. To get to the audiophile level you'll need to step up to a whole new price point. In our main studio we use a Grace Designs M906 that frankly sounds way better and is even more flexible but it's also WAY more money. Not at all a fair comparison.

So, if all of the above meets your needs you just can't beat it. Like I said, I own 2.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What do you expect ? ..... its a Mackie, October 15, 2007

By 

B. Abdoh - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mackie Big Knob Desktop Studio Monitor System (Electronics)

This is my first purchase from Mackie and I'm very happy with it. This thing is the stuff.... I have a computer based home studio and the big knob was the missing chain. I can switch between my studio monitors, my home sound system and my desktop speakers. and also using my monitor headphone at the same time. thats exactly what I wanted so you can listen to your mix from different sources.

The build quality is superb and it looks really nice in my studio. All the knobs and buttons seems heavy duty and long lasting.

About the performance, its outstanding. The big knob will give you exactly the same sound you get when you connect your studio monitors directly to your sound card, a clear flat sound without any noise or humm. I used the behringer minimon before the big knob, the sound was horrible although I'm using monster cables. its true when they say ( you get what you pay for ). Now I know why the Mackie stuff are expensive. beacuse its worth it.